02-18-2001, 05:13 PM
February 17, 2001<br><br>Sarasota Fla. Fishing Report<br><br>By Capt. Bob Smith<br><br>Our week was spent fishing the (M) and (I) artificial reefs. The artificial reef M5 was holding flounder from 13 to 18 inches and they were taking live shrimp fished on the bottom. All of the (I) reefs seem to be holding sheepshead. They are also taking live shrimp fished on the bottom. Both areas are occasionally giving up a keeper size grouper. The grouper will take live shrimp if they can get to it in time. A better bait for the grouper is a live Threadfin herring fished on the bottom. We have been able to catch plenty of herring just outside of the New Pass Gulf marker.<br><br>Yes, it is time to stock up on the gold hook bait rigs. We have plenty of baitfish from the beach out to M7 in the 50 foot depth. As the water temperature creeps to 70 degrees, we have kingfish on the horizon. The Fall run is about due and a few have been seen in deep water. The Gulf is full of baitfish and this should bring the kings in.<br><br>Some nice keeper trout have started to bite along Country Club Shores and a few pompano along the beach. Nighttime fishing for snook has been good but you may find them mostly small. Day time fishing on the bay has not been good but shows signs of picking up soon.<br><br>Enjoy and Protect<br><br>www.sarasota-fla-fishing.com <br><br><br><br>